Fungal Genomics & Biology
Open Access

Rhizoctonia Solani

Rhizoctonia solani is a plant pathogenic fungus with a wide host range and worldwide distribution. It was discovered more than 100 years ago. R. solani frequently exists as thread-like growth on plants or in culture, and is considered a soil-borne pathogen. 

Rhizoctonia solani (teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris) is a phytopathogenic fungus with a range of hosts and worldwide distribution. It's been over 100 years ago. R. solani frequently exists as a thread-like growth on plants or in culture and is considered a soil-borne pathogen. R. solani is best known for various plant diseases such as crown rot, root rot, damping-off of seedlings and wire stem. R. solani attacks its hosts when they are in their early stages of development, such as seeds and seedlings, which are usually found in the soil. The pathogens are known to cause severe plant loss by attacking the roots and lower stems of plants. Although it has a wide range of hosts, its main targets are herbaceous plants. R. solani would be considered a basidiomycete fungus if the teleomorphic stage were more abundant. The pathogen is not currently known to produce asexual spores (conidia), although it is considered to have an asexual life cycle. Sometimes, sexual spores (basidiospores) are produced on infected plants.

The pathogen is known for preferring hot, humid weather, and outbreaks to early summer. Most pathogens do not appear until late summer, so most farmers do not realize the disease until harvest. A combination of environmental factors has been linked to the prevalence of pathogens, such as the presence of the host plant, frequent precipitation / irrigation, and increased temperatures in spring and summer. In addition, a variety of techniques such as soil compaction is also known as a pathogen for beneficial environments.